Top Colleges for Nuclear Engineering?

I'm considering nuclear engineering as a major and wondering which colleges are considered the best for this field globally. Any advice on programs that offer strong research opportunities or internships?

Certainly! Nuclear Engineering is a specialised and important field, which is offered by a select number of universities. Here are some universities with top-rated Nuclear Engineering programs:

1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT): MIT's Nuclear Science and Engineering department is renowned globally for its cutting-edge research and is widely considered one of the best in the world. As a student, you'll have a wealth of research opportunities, often working with government agencies and industry partners.

2. University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley): UC Berkeley's Department of Nuclear Engineering boasts a rich history of research and innovation. They tend to focus on areas such as nuclear power, radiation detection and nuclear materials.

3. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (UMich): Their Department of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences is often ranked highly. Here, you'll find opportunities to engage in research in areas like nuclear reactions and radiation, nuclear systems, and advancement in nuclear measurements.

4. North Carolina State University (NC State): This university offers robust research programs and has a Research Reactor Program, which offers students hands-on experience in a functioning nuclear reactor.

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW Madison): This college is another one known for its strong Nuclear Engineering program. The Department of Engineering Physics maintains a research reactor and multiple laboratories, offering great opportunities for students.

6. Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech): Georgia Tech's Nuclear & Radiological Engineering program offers excellent education and research opportunities in things like nuclear power safety and medical applications of nuclear technology.

Internship opportunities can vary, but typically big companies in the energy sector like Duke Energy, Southern Company, and Westinghouse Electric Company offer internships for students in nuclear engineering. Local nuclear power plants and governmental research labs like the National Laboratories in the U.S. also offer excellent practical experience.

Moreover, always remember to check the availability of these majors while applying as well as the specific opportunities that the school may provide in order to maximise your learning and professional growth.

Note: Rankings for universities can change every year and may vary based on the criteria used by the ranking company. Individual college experiences can also significantly vary based on a variety of factors, so it is important for you to research each university thoroughly and consider what you want from your college experience.